situation

Definition

The combination of circumstances at a given moment; a state of affairs.

Etymology

From Middle English situacioun, situacion, from Middle French situation, from Medieval Latin situatio (“position, situation”), from situare (“to locate, place”), from Latin situs (“a site”). By surface analysis, situate + -ion.

Example Sentences

• "The United States is in an awkward situation with debt default looming."
• "Then we relapsed into a discomfited silence, and wished we were anywhere else. But Miss Thorn relieved the situation by laughing aloud, and with such a hearty enjoyment that instead of getting angry and more mortified we began to laugh ourselves, and instantly felt better."
• "The Botanical Gardens are in a delightful situation on the river bank."

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